Helen Richardson - Harper
Pittsford, NY and Phoenix, AZ


Biography

Leaving Penfield in 1960 to study at the big campus of Michigan State U, I thought the chances of returning to NY after graduation were very slim. At MSU I majored in interior design and didn't go into the field but still maintain a current interest in it and am grateful for the background. Providentially, in my freshman year I met and fell in love with another Penfield graduate, Ralph Harper ('57). We married in 1964 after completing our degrees at MSU and his service in the army. We worked together in his family's business, Harper Homes, manufactured housing communities in and around the Rochester area. I also worked as the financial secretary at Browncroft Community Church in Penfield for a number of years.

In 1965 and 1968 our two sons were born and I spent most of my time as they were growing up with their care and activities at school, church, scouting and music lessons. Our firstborn, David, has a BS and an MS from Syracuse U in business and communications. He has chosen to follow in his father's footsteps and stay with the family business in Penfield. He has 2 daughters and a son who are home schooled by their mother, Ann. Ann also helps care for my 97-year-old mother who still lives near Indian Landing School. Our son, Richard, is an MSU grad who married Susan, another Spartan. They stayed in Michigan where he works with computer software and she teaches at an elementary school. They also have 2 daughters and a son. Our grandchildren now range in age from 8 to 14.

As the years went by, we've had opportunities to travel to all 50 states, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and many times through Canada on the way to Michigan. In semi-retirement now we spend about half our time in NY and the rest near Phoenix, AZ.

I'm looking forward to seeing friends at our class reunion this summer.

Best wishes to all.

Photo: Saguaro Cactus in our neighborhood